Shawn Alhashima won the New Zealand Institute of Architects Award for the Onepoto footbridge

Archiplexus

The UAE Embassy project concept by Archiplexus

Shwan Alhashimi, Managing Director and Principal Architect of the first Kiwi-owned architecture practice in Dubai, was born in Dubai. He is a New Zealand citizen who studied in London and Auckland but considers Dubai his home.

His practice, Archiplexus Architecture and Design, is a firm focused on bringing greater depth and meaning to architecture and designs that summon the wealth of its Middle Eastern heritage. They challenge convention to create dynamically built environments that expand boundaries of what’s possible through intelligent, human-centric design.

"We work very hard on our mission, ‘human centric’ design. We are proud to be one of the few companies that focuses on the architectural language of design. We believe our understanding of the regional and cultural aspects present in the UAE come through in our culturally sensitive design. The infusion of these aspects into our design process is extremely important," says Alhashimi.

What are some of your career highlights?

For an architect, winning awards display ultimate recognition for the work that we do. I won the New Zealand Institute of Architects Award for the Onepoto footbridge, and this project was really close to my heart, it was my baby! I’m also happy about winning the Beca Excellence in Innovation Awards. In addition, opening up Archiplexus is the most important professional move I have made in my life. Finally, another career highlight was working directly with His Highness Sheikh Doctor Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi, president of Sharjah while we planned and designed portions of the American University of Sharjah.

What are the biggest issues facing the industry in your market?

Some of the biggest challenges are the widespread misconception about what design is, and consequently the role of an architect or interior designer is undervalued. This is made clear when clients are faced with additional expenditures in the long run to rectify issues that an architect would have foreseen. A good architect has potential to influence the sociology, psychology and wellbeing of space users and we take this responsibility seriously in our design. Another issue is the naivety around the 'green-washing' of design concepts- sustainability is inherent and intrinsic to the entire design and construction processes, and should not be feigned for marketing purposes as an add-on.

How has the industry changed in the time you have been involved with it?

Large developers used to be drawn to big-name consultants. More recently, development companies are investing more into in-house expertise for the early stages of design and seem to be more interested in working with boutique design firms. They are getting a higher quality service because of this, along with a design that is fresh, unusual and functional.

What advice do you have for people who are just starting out in similar careers?

Play, play, play as much as you can with design. Stay focused on technology. Technology is the main driver of architecture as architecture is technology. And, be brave.

What do you believe is a unique factor of doing business in your market?

Every client deserves an identity and we give them that through details. We try to give everybody an image of their own through what we do.

What is your favourite holiday destination in MENA?

My favourite destination is right here in the UAE. One does not need to leave the country to feel like one is on holidays. I enjoy spending time in the desert of Al Dhafra, particularly in Qasr Al Sarab Resort.

How do you accommodate different demographics in your projects / designs?

Demographics is part of the conversation, it’s not a copy and paste exercise. We make all the options available to our clients without them even knowing about it. If we are doing an intimate space like someone’s house, I will need to spend a lot of time with them to understand their life. What differentiates us is that we spend a lot of time with the client to determine their wants, desires, and future and we future-proof their house, if this a long-term home.

Who has influenced your career?

My mentors have been extremely important to me; it’s really important to find a mentor. My mentors are Lloyd Sinton of Lloyd Sinton Designs in Auckland and Steve Gray of Beca in Auckland. I have a lot owing to these two men, not necessarily as influencers of design but as father figures who have shaped my professional foundations.

What’s your dream home, anywhere in the world?

I would have to design it to show you. On the water’s edge somewhere, potentially in NZ, on the Bay of Islands. I believe that there is no such thing as a favourite home for an architect. Perhaps it would be like a Meccano set so I can re-design as I go.

For more information, email Archiplexus Architecture and Design via the contact details below.